http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27607053/gotomsg/27607068.cfm#27607068 This thread is about 2 people dying in RV and didn't want to ask this question in the posting.When should a propane alarm come on?We had a scare couple years ago. Came back from somewhere, opened RV door and propane smell was very strong. Propane alarm was not going off. Long story short, stove knob got turned on probably when I left flinging on my jacket on is our best guess. Here is my question(s) if anybody knows. When should alarm go off? When levels are reached that are dangerous? Or before (I would hope).Is there any alarms that you can set too how sensitive you would like them to be? Thanks

You should smell the odorant in propane long before it becomes an issue... the alarm won't go off until there is a much higher concentration so it could be okay but wise to check.Often times your friendly neighborhood fire department will have the gear to test everything out for you (a second known good detector and test gas)

My experience with built in detectors is less than even fair. My original built in Propane/CO detector failed after 2 1/2 years. I full time so it was working the whole time. Fortunately it started going off at 3:00am a couple of days in row. I replaced it with a new one and I also have a separate battery operated unit in the bedroom.After I replaced the built in unit I took the old unit, hooked it up to a battery and exposed it to propane. It did not work. Remember it was 2 1/2 years old from the date of manufacture.

Propane detector not the same as a CO detector those dead people needed to warn them of a problem.Propane detectors are mounted down close to the floor. CO up higher on the wall.

True story: Woman had strong odor of Propane. was calling for repair tec when I visited her rig, The knobs OFF OFF LOW OFF were a clue as to the source of the "leak" reset them to OFF OFF OFF OFF and the smell ... dissipated and disappeared. #1 Source of propane leakI do not think her alarm went off.. Alarms need to be replaced from time to time, not sure how long the time is but 10 years tops. might be half that.

Basic propane alarm question | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

Triker33
Explorer
Mar 24, 2014
Propane detector not the same as a CO detector those dead people needed to warn them of a problem.

Propane detectors are mounted down close to the floor. CO up higher on the wall.
edatlanta
Explorer II
Mar 24, 2014
My experience with built in detectors is less than even fair. My original built in Propane/CO detector failed after 2 1/2 years. I full time so it was working the whole time. Fortunately it started going off at 3:00am a couple of days in row. I replaced it with a new one and I also have a separate battery operated unit in the bedroom.

After I replaced the built in unit I took the old unit, hooked it up to a battery and exposed it to propane. It did not work. Remember it was 2 1/2 years old from the date of manufacture.
pugslyyy
Explorer
Mar 24, 2014
You should smell the odorant in propane long before it becomes an issue... the alarm won't go off until there is a much higher concentration so it could be okay but wise to check.

Often times your friendly neighborhood fire department will have the gear to test everything out for you (a second known good detector and test gas)
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Mar 24, 2014
How they work........LINK

Forum Discussion

Basic propane alarm question

14 Replies

About RV Newbies

Related Content

Toy hauler basic questions

Basic questions about Class B's

Basic Question About AC Power Wiring

Propane question

Basic Questions on Solar Install